J. Furet, French Porcelain Clock with GrotesquesBronze, gold-plated, porcelain, painted gold and rosé, brass, metal, glassFrance c. 1800Design of the case pres. Francois Rémond (c. 1747-1812) – - French chaser, engraver, founder and gilderDial inscribed ‘Furet à Paris’Workshop Jean Baptiste André Furet (c. 1720-1807) – French clockmakerCircular brass movement, spring driven, lever escapement8 day running durationCalendar functionHalf-hour strike on bell, string suspension, pendulumWhite enamel dial with Arabic hour markers, outer minute ring with Arabic minutes, pierced golden hands, bezel with vaulted glazing and set with faceted imitation diamonds Elongated base with rounded off corners mounted upon four flattened ball feet, above that two sculpturally rendered grotesque figures flanking the clockwork and presenting a flower basket crest, the narrow sides painted with arabesquesAdorned throughout with decorative trims, cord band, bead molding and ribbon motiveProvenance: private collection, AachenDimensions: 49 x 32.5 x 10.7 cmFully functional; good condition, consistent with ageExceptionally mesmerizing horological work of artJean Baptiste André Furet (c. 1720-1807)Born in Paris in 1720 as son of watchmaker Jean André Furet, Jean Baptiste André Furet became Master Clockmaker on 18th of November 1746. From 1746-49 he was employed at his father's business, before he eventually continued the firm on his own. In 1759 Furet was appointed court watchmaker ‘Horloger Ordinaire du Roi pour sa Bibliothèque’. From 1784-85 he formed a partnership with Francois-Antoin Godon, during that time they signed their clocks ‘Furet & Godon’. Furet collaborated with numerous craftsmen, for example with different cabinetmakers, bronze casters, enamel specialist and chasers. His most famous work is the Pendule à la Négresse, which Marie-Antoinette bought and gave to her son the Dauphin of France in 1791. In 1786 Furet had financial problems and finally had to declare bankruptcy. Clocks by the famous master can today be seen at the Louvre and the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris as well as at the Musée des Beaux Arts et d’Archéologie in Besançon. (nlu)

The clock is in good condition, consistent with age and bearing signs of wear. The surfaces partially rubbed throughout. The porcelain case with manufacturing related fire cracks or tiny iron inlays as well as with spalling, hairline cracks and repaired areas. The bronze appliqués partially loose, a broken off element has been meagerly replaced. A winding key is not included. During in house testing, the timepiece was fully functional; no guarantee on long term precision and regularity. The size measures 49 x 32.5 x 10.7 cm.